NC
Nicole Coghlan
  • occupational therapy
  • Class of 2014
  • Nanuet, N.Y.

Nanuet Native Nicole Coghlan Enriches Lives of Ithaca Elders Through Intergenerational Relationships

2013 Nov 18

Nanuet Senior High School graduate Nicole Coghlan is building intergenerational relationships through Project Generations, a friendly visiting service organized by Ithaca College and the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.

The Office for the Aging helps seniors independently maintain their quality of life as long as possible. Project Generations supports this mission by offering companionship, mental stimulation and social support for the elderly. The group aims to reduce social stigma about seniors and recognize their value as community members with rich life experiences worth sharing.

A senior majoring in occupational therapy, Coghlan became a member of Project Generations during her sophomore year at Ithaca College and now serves as co-president. She says she joined the organization to become more involved in the Ithaca community while simultaneously giving back to the town she now calls home. Through Project Generations, Coghlan is able to get off campus, make a connection with someone living in the community and have a positive impact on their life.

As co-president, Coghlan Coghlan prepares for and facilitates meetings while also promoting the club to the student body and local community. She works with the Office for the Aging to recruit senior citizens to pair with student volunteers and provides support coordinating events and fundraising activities.

Student volunteers and elders are paired based on personality, hobbies and skills such as crocheting, knitting, baking or playing card games. The partners meet weekly throughout the year and participate in activities based on interests, where the older adult lives and their cognitive and physical abilities. Some pairs prefer to simply chat with one another, while other pairs work on projects or take walks together.

"I love hearing personal reflections about people's Project Generations experience. I especially enjoy feedback from our senior citizens," Coghlan explained. "Hearing how much they look forward to and appreciate their weekly visits is heartwarming. Positive feedback like that inspires the executive board to continue working hard and reminds us of how important our work really is."

For more information on Project Generations visit projectgenerations.org or email icprojectgenerations@gmail.com.